Sirius XM MiRGE vs. XM Xpress RCi: A Comparison

Since it’s release in 2009, we at TSS-Radio.com have gotten a lot of questions about the Sirius XM MiRGE plug & play receiver. The question we get most is “Why don’t you carry the MiRGE?”. Upon it’s release Sirius XM decided to keep the MiRGE as an exclusive product, meaning we, or any other retailer, wouldn’t be able to carry it. However, what most customers don’t know is, while we can’t carry the MiRGE, there is a very comparable radio available at TSS-Radio.com. That radio is the XM XpressRCi.

Here is a quick comparison guide to show you the differences and similarities between the Sirius XM MiRGE and the XM XpressRCi.

From the photos above, you’ll notice the MiRGE and RCi look almost identical. Both feature split screen displays, a control knob, preset buttons along the bottom, and are relatively the same shape and size. The MiRGE radio is a bit thicker, but otherwise they are the same radio. In terms of features, both the MiRGE and XpressRCi feature the Replay function that allows you to pause and rewind up to an hour of live programming and sports/stock tickers. However, there are a few differences. The MiRGE has 20 favorite channel presets (10 for Sirius/10 for XM) where as the XpressRCi only has 10, but the RCi has the Song Saver function (allows you to store up to 10 songs on the radio for playback) where the MiRGE does not.

Besides the minor differences in features, there are also some programming differences – but not as many as you may think. First of all, the MiRGE radio does get a FULL Sirius and FULL XM subscription, unlike any other model, but it also comes at a higher monthly subscription price. The MiRGE requires the Sirius XM “All in One” package that is $19.99 per month (plus additional taxes & fees). The benefit to this package basically comes down to both home and away NFL broadcasts, some additional sports coverage, and a few extra music channels. The XpressRCi can actually get pretty close to the MiRGE programming options by adding the Best of Sirius package and a full XM subscription for only $16.99 per month (+ taxes/fees).

In all, if you purchase the MiRGE (which is a more expensive radio) you pay about $3 more per month just to have the convenience of Home AND Away NFL Broadcasts. The Xpress RCi with XM and Best of SIRIUS will have all the same NFL Broadcasts, but you’ll only be able to listen to the home stream. It breaks down to an extra $36 per year for the subscription and about $160 more for the MiRGE radio hardware vs. the Xpress RCi.

As I mentioned earlier, the MiRGE and XpressRCi are nearly identical in size and shape, so they are also compatible with the same accessories.

Here are some accessories that will work with both the MiRGE and XpressRCi:

Although the Sirius XM MiRGE doesn’t ship with a PowerConnect Vehicle Kit, it is compatible. The PowerConnect Vehicle Kit gives you easy, do-it-yourself installation and good sound quality when transmitting wirelessly over a FM frequency. This is also the car kit that ships with the XM XpressRCi.

The Sirius XM Portable Sound System is the first boombox designed for use with both Sirius and XM plug and play receivers. It is compatible with both the MiRGE and the Xpress RCi, as well as several other models. This boombox is battery compatible and includes everything you need to take Sirius XM wherever you go!

Both the XM XpressRCi and the Sirius XM MiRGE are compatible with the XM Dock & Play Home Kit. The XM Dock & Play Home Kit allows you to connect your XM or MiRGE plug and play receiver to any home stereo system with RCA inputs.

The XM Professional Motorcycle Kit is a TSS-Radio.com exclusive product designed to work with the XM Xpress line of receivers, as well as the Sirius XM MiRGE and newer XM onyX. It includes everything you need to set up XM radio on your motorcycle.

If you are interested in more information on the XM XpressRCi or any of the accessories featured, please contact us at sales@tss-radio.com or call 773.772.4340